The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.6 / 5 · 2,537 reports GROUNDS ONLY

Cyfarthfa Castle

Merthyr Tydfil, Wales


Cyfarthfa Castle
Cyfarthfa Castle, further view Cyfarthfa Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Condition
Intact
Access
Grounds only

Pinpoint

Cyfarthfa Park, Brecon Rd, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8RE

Telephone 01685 727371

Website www.cyfarthfa.co.uk

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Built in 1824 for the ironmasters who made Merthyr Tydfil the iron capital of the world, sitting on a hill above the park and lake it looks down on. The museum inside has been closed for restoration, so at the time of writing this is a grounds visit — the hilltop position and views over the town are still worth the walk.

Worth the trip

The view over Merthyr Tydfil and the park from the castle's hilltop position.

Before you go

Check whether the museum has reopened before visiting, since access has been grounds-only during restoration work; the park itself is large enough for a proper walk regardless.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.6 / 5 across 2,537 Google reviews

Reviewers consistently find Cyfarthfa Castle good value for its modest entry fee, with the museum, hillside views over the park, and on-site cafe all praised. A couple of visitors happened to catch it during building work or a royal visit that disrupted their normal experience, but even then the history and grounds were still enjoyed. The general consensus is a worthwhile, low-cost day out.

1824 ironmaster's castle; museum shut for restoration, park open

“The castle and grounds are,stunning so many lovely walks and a lovely cafe where you can sit on the deck looking over the garden's, you only see a small part of the castle but it's very interesting”— Dee Gatrell, visitor review

Further reading

book
Castle: A History of the Buildings that Shaped Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon
Castles of Britain and Ireland cover book
Castles of Britain and Ireland

Plantagenet Somerset Fry

Find it on Amazon
Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain cover book
Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon